Luther Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1961–2009 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Luther Reservoir was last stocked May 18, 2009 with Rainbow Trout. Luther Reservoir has 26 stocking records on file, spanning 1961–2009, with about 69,690 fish stocked over that period.
When Luther Reservoir is stocked
Luther Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 14 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Luther Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Montana.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Luther Reservoir, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Luther Reservoir was last stocked May 18, 2009, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Montana freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Montana license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Montana fish & wildlife agency.Official Montana regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Luther Reservoir:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for Luther Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Luther Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Paulo Reservoir
15 mi2 species · 16 records
Last stocked August 2025
Whitetail Reservoir
14 mi9 species · 98 records
Last stocked May 2025
McNab Reservoir
4 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2006
Helen Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 1994
Bear Track Reservoir
2 mi3 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1982
Yeska Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1979
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 2,013 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 3.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | 3.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,997 | 3.22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,819 | 2.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,980 | 3.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,006 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 18 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,057 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 2,077 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,055 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,152 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,106 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,980 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 3,015 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 3,284 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 3,021 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 3,813 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 3,683 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 3,526 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 3,515 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,570 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 5,017 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Luther Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Luther Reservoir was last stocked May 18, 2009 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Luther Reservoir?
Luther Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Luther Reservoir stocked?
Luther Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Luther Reservoir stocked?
Luther Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 26 recorded stockings between 1961 and 2009.
How many fish have been stocked in Luther Reservoir?
About 69,690 fish have been stocked in Luther Reservoir across 26 recorded events since 1961, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Luther Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Luther Reservoir average about 3.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Luther Reservoir?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Montana freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Montana fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Luther Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Luther Reservoir typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.